The Theology of Sergius Bulgakov

The present volume is the single best one volume introductory critical study of Bulgakov available now in English. In a time when Bulgakov’s complex theology and profound legacy in modern theology—in Christian East and West—is finally being widely appreciated, Fr Slesinkski’s study has given us a sure conceptual guide, with marked critical analysis, not a mere summary, to the major themes and words of Bulgakov’s massive oeuvre. We are indebted to Slesinski’s magisterial study and it will set a standard for all future academic work that attempts to understand Bulgakov, who is the awakening giant of modern Orthodox theology.

—Brandon Gallaher, D.Phil., University of Exeter

The Theology of Sergius Bulgakov was controversial in his own time, but in recent years a large number of his works have been translated into English, and he has become the source of much scholarly attention. While his extensive and varied corpus eludes any single comprehensive treatment, in The Theology of Sergius Bulgakov, Robert Slesinski examines a wide number of topics in considerable depth:

—The concept of Sophia and sophiology receive multiple analyses

—The subjects of the devotional triptych The Friend of the Bridegroom, The Burning Bush, and Jacob’s Ladder—St John the Forerunner, the Mother of God, and the angels, respectively—each have a chapter or more devoted to them, along with an analysis of the trilogy as a whole.

—Bulgakov’s Trinitarian thought is examined through separate studies on his paterology, Christology, and pneumatology.

—Numerous other topics are considered at length, including Bulgakov’s understanding of creation, the role and meaning of relics, ecclesiology, the philosophy of language, and eschatology.

Robert F. Slesinskireceived his doctorate in philosophy from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and served on the faculty of the John XXIII Institute for Eastern Christian Studies (Bronx, NY). He is the author of Pavel Florensky: A Metaphysics of Love (SVS Press, 1984), as well as other books and articles.